unanswered
Britishadjective
Explanation
If something is unanswered, it gets no response, even when one is asked for or expected. So that unanswered text message? It hasn't gotten a reply. An unanswered phone call isn't answered but instead just rings and rings endlessly. An unanswered question hovers there without a response, like when your dad asks, "Who's responsible for this mess?" and none of your siblings says a thing. If you write dozens of letters to your favorite Hollywood star but don't get a reply, those are (sadly) unanswered too.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unanswered questions remain regarding Oracle’s ability to execute on AI infrastructure buildouts.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026
Unanswered questions have long dogged the case, giving rise to theories about the involvement of government agents, the mafia and other nefarious characters - as well as more outlandish claims.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2025
Unanswered is how the interpreter could have pulled it off without anyone noticing.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024
Unanswered questions abound as this new era of treatment begins for mild cognitive impairment and early-stage Alzheimer's.
From Salon • Aug. 13, 2023
He went into the library, and dropped his sister-in-law's remonstrance into a box, labeled "Unanswered Letters."
From Man and Wife by Collins, Wilkie
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
